An important relationship is between Karl Sikowsky and Justine
Description:
Karl = Obsessed with surfing, selfish, shallow, conceited, false, loner, restless, mid 20's, has life experience
Justine = Naïve, innocent, trusting, obsessed with Karl, 17 years old, little life experience
WHY IS THIS RELATIONSHIP IMPORTANT?
Karl’s obsessive nature and actions show the theme of betrayal and how ‘obsession’ can be destructive to peoples lives – both their own and those around them. His obsession with surfing prevents him from having a real life. Also that ‘outsiders’ often have trouble finding ‘acceptance’ in cliquey small town NZ. Justine illustrates the theme of naivety or innocence and also obsession. She is obsessed with Karl and is attracted to him largely because he is different and provides some excitement and change in her monotonous life.
Due to Justine's naivety and her obsession with Karl, she is left pregnant and alone. Karl can not settle down anywhere because he is selfish and obsessed with surfing. This relationship helps show the destructive effect that obsession can have on your life, whether it be with a person, sport or some other interest.
TECHNIQUES THAT HELP SHOW THEME:
Contrast (between Justine and Karl)
Dialogue (see quotes below)
Actions (Karl and Justine's obsessive actions)
Quote:
“all the photos had been taken from the walls, all except one of two people walking on the beach.”
“for him riding the waves was not a sport, it was a life force”
“…he might leave and that thought was unbearable to her"
“the beach and the little house became their entire world”
IMPORTANT RELATIONSHIP
Description:
Karl = Obsessed with surfing, selfish, shallow, conceited, false, loner, restless, mid 20's, has life experience
Justine = Naïve, innocent, trusting, obsessed with Karl, 17 years old, little life experience
WHY IS THIS RELATIONSHIP IMPORTANT?
Karl’s obsessive nature and actions show the theme of betrayal and how ‘obsession’ can be destructive to peoples lives – both their own and those around them. His obsession with surfing prevents him from having a real life. Also that ‘outsiders’ often have trouble finding ‘acceptance’ in cliquey small town NZ. Justine illustrates the theme of naivety or innocence and also obsession. She is obsessed with Karl and is attracted to him largely because he is different and provides some excitement and change in her monotonous life.
Due to Justine's naivety and her obsession with Karl, she is left pregnant and alone. Karl can not settle down anywhere because he is selfish and obsessed with surfing. This relationship helps show the destructive effect that obsession can have on your life, whether it be with a person, sport or some other interest.
TECHNIQUES THAT HELP SHOW THEME:
Quote: